If it is possible...

Ran across these two verses recently.  Thought they made a nice pair.  I think the two verses together answer a question that someone asked on Facebook.  How far do you go in trying to keep peace and build a relationship with someone?  Let's start with the verse from Romans first. 

Romans 12:18(NKJV)

18If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 

This verse seems to be saying to do all you can to live peaceably with others but that even though you do all you can, there will be some people that it will not be possible to live peaceably with.  

Another way to put it is that although we are taught to turn the other cheek, we don't need to keep turning our cheek back and forth while someone beats us to death. 

Now for the second verse.

Zechariah 11:9(NKJV)

9Then I said, “I will not feed you. Let what is dying die, and what is perishing perish. Let those that are left eat each other’s flesh.” 

Sometimes you have to just recognize a situation for what it is, cut your loses and move on.  You've done all you can, "as much as depends on you", and that is all that God asks.  Doesn't mean that you can't still pray for the person or situation, but you don't need to carry that burden through life.  "Let what is dying die and what is perishing perish". 

It's kind of hard to do but that's probably why it goes by another name.  Tough love. 

If you find yourself in a situation like this, pray about it and if God is clearly telling you that it is a Zechariah 11:9 situation, then move on.  Don't let anyone try and guilt you into continuing.  You know, like saying "that isn't very Christian.  You're supposed to love me and put up with me regardless".  Nope!  God clearly says that if you've done all you can do then move on!